Milroe makes statement with 5 TDs as Bama rolls

• Alex Scarborough, ESPN

  • Staff WriterSep 3, 2023, 12:17 AM ET Close Covers the SEC.Joined ESPN
  • in 2012.
  • Graduate of Auburn University.TUSCALOOSA, Ala.– Jalen Milroe was

  the first quarterback to take the field for Alabama in its season opener versus Middle Tennessee on Saturday, and he utilized the chance to make an emphatic declaration about why he need to be the starter progressing, scoring 5 overall touchdowns in just 3 quarters of play.The fourth-ranked Crimson Tide beat heaven Raiders 56-7, with Milroe delivering a near-flawless efficiency with touchdown passes of 48, 47 and 29 yards.He finished 13-of-18 for 194 yards and no interceptions. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound redshirt sophomore likewise hurried for 48 yards and 2 scores.In doing so, Milroe became the very first quarterback in school history to throw for 3 touchdowns and rush for 2

  ratings in a game.Editor’s Picks”Jalen did an excellent task,”Alabama coach Nick Saban said.”I think he’s had an excellent fall camp. I thought he played well in

both scrimmages. I think he’s more positive and doing a great task in the passing game. “His athleticism helps him. … You know, he’s a threat to pull the ball, which he scored a touchdown on that. And I believed he tossed the ball effectively. So I thought they played well. “Saban stated there was one check he wanted Milroe to make at the line of skirmish

that he didn’t, but “as he continues to develop and acquire experience, he’s going to play better and much better.” Asked later on about how Milroe’s performance will help him in later on games, Saban bristled.” You’re asking me to hypothesize and address a question about how some man’s

going to carry out in the future? “he stated. “I do not truly understand. I enjoy him. I believe he’s doing well. I know he’s striving to try to enhance. He’s an excellent rival. He’ll do whatever he can to play his finest.”Saban grabbed a soda sitting atop the podium.”This is a Coke bottle, “he said,”it’s not a crystal ball. … It’s difficult to understand. ” Jalen Milroe became the first quarterback in Crimson Tide history with three passing goals and two rushing goals in a game. Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Milroe, who was Bryce Young’s backup last season, began Saturday atop the depth chart. However he was noted as the co-starter in addition to Tyler Buchner, Ty Simpson and Dylan Lonergan.Buchner, the previous Notre Dame quarterback, came on in relief of Milroe and rushed for a 9-yard goal. He finished 3-of-5 for 27 lawns, no goals and no interceptions.Simpson, a redshirt freshman, had a 1-yard touchdown run.

He finished his only pass effort for 5 yards.Lonergan, a real freshman and former four-star recruit, did not play.Milroe took his performance in stride.”I need to be better general at what I’m doing, “he stated.

“I simply wish to continue to build and be the best variation of myself when I take the field. So there’s some things that I’m gon na look at with the training personnel and with my colleagues.”Isaiah Bond led all Alabama receivers with 5 catches for 76 backyards and a touchdown.The Crimson Tide hurried for 205 backyards and 5 scores, but no running back had more than 40 backyards entering the game.Alabama will host No. 11 Texas on Saturday.Milroe grew up in Katy, Texas, and has relative who root for the Longhorns. But he said it’s” just another opponent on the schedule.””Saturday, our success on that day is gon na originate from our preparation throughout the week,”he included.”So no matter what the challenger is, we’re simply gon na take it on one day at a time. “